Anthrax quarantines released

Friday

Sep 28, 2012 at 2:02 PMSep 28, 2012 at 2:04 PM

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s office has released four quarantines associated with the recent anthrax cases in Logan County; no premises remain under quarantine.
The original case was announced on Aug. 8. In all, approximately 55 cattle died due to the anthrax outbreak.
Anthrax can develop naturally in soil; the spores can become active in association with periods of marked climatic or ecologic change such as heavy rainfall, flooding or drought which can then expose the anthrax spores to grazing livestock. Outbreaks of anthrax are commonly associated with neutral or alkaline soils. In these areas the spores apparently revert to the vegetative form and multiply to infectious levels so that cattle, horses, mules, sheep and goats may readily become infected when grazing such areas.
Producers should consult their veterinarians and vaccinate their livestock, if deemed appropriate.
Humans or animals can become infected by coming in contact with infected animals or soil. Anthrax infection can be treated with antibiotics, especially if caught in the early stages.